Silk is collected from cocoons whose moth inhabitants have already begun to emerge, with small holes being cut to enable the moths to emerge without having eaten through too much of the cocoon. The moths live and the workers collect the empty cocoons for use in spinning raw silk fiber.

Created to help women worldwide gain economic security for themselves and their families by earning fair wages for their handiwork, Global Girlfriend sources women-made, fair-trade imported, eco-friendly products. By supporting long-term partnerships with the artisans, it fosters equal employment opportunities, healthy and safe working conditions, technical assistance, and development strategies to help reduce poverty, one community at a time. Become a "Global Girlfriend" and help build a brighter future for girlfriends around the globe!

Artisan: Craftbeauty

Artisan Diu

In Hanoi, Vietnam, where most people are raised to be farmers, there aren't a lot of vocational opportunities outside of agriculture. One stroke of bad luck can wipe out a year's worth of hard work -- drought or flood can destroy the year's crops, and the year's income. A lot of farmland is being purchased by developers of apartment buildings, leaving many farmers with no land, no vocational skills, and no source of income.

Craftbeauty is a fair trade craft organization that provides skills and a steady source of income to disadvantaged women who wouldn't otherwise have any options, including farming women, and women with disabilities. In Vietnam only about 15% of disabled persons receive training in vocational skills, and many end up unemployed and very poor. Craftbeauty offers these women
(between the ages of 18 and 40 years old) a chance to learn about silk weaving, tailoring, embroidery, fashion, and quality control, and pays almost double the Vietnamese national livable wage. In addition to giving them a source of income, a skill set, and a safe workplace, these positions help the women retain their dignity, self worth, and confidence.